EPA's fish warnings at a New Jersey Superfund site never mention the PCBs in the fish
A November 25, 2025 EPA Inspector General evaluation (Report 26-E-0003) found the fish-advisory signs EPA posted at the Cornell Dubilier Electronics Superfund site in South Plainfield, New Jersey, do not mention PCBs or the health risks of eating the fish, contrary to EPA guidance and the site's 2015 record of decision, even though PCBs are the only contaminant of concern in the fish. EPA's remedial project manager told the OIG simpler messaging was more effective. The OIG also found EPA had not interviewed community members for its community involvement plan since 2000, and its five-year reviews did not document whether or how it inspected institutional controls along the Bound Brook, during a $170 million federally funded cleanup. EPA Region 2 agreed with all ten recommendations.
Neither sign communicates the presence of PCBs or the potential health risks from consuming fish, contrary to the EPA's fish advisory guidance and the OU4 Record of Decision requirements.
Incomplete, unavailable, and inaccurate information about the CDE Superfund site compromises the effectiveness of risk communication during the site's $170 million Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act-funded remediation.
Contacted and made an on-record admission — exact wording not on record.
No outcome recorded yet.